Elsie Wollschlager

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Elsie June Wollschlager lived fully in each and every moment while holding her loved ones near. The Roaring Twenties were an exciting time to be an American as the innovation was taking us places we had never been. Washing machines and refrigerators became a part of our homes while radios and black and white televisions brought the world around us within our reach. More affordable cars and motion pictures were also signs of the time, which brought prosperity all across the nation. Amidst this colorful time was the year 1926 that was filled with great anticipation for Horace and Renick (Crutsinger) Council as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their baby in Detroit, Michigan. The big day finally arrived on July 29th , when the baby girl they named Elsie June drew her first breath. She was joined in the family by six adult step siblings, Thomas, Eddie, Cylde, Nina, Marie and Donald

In many ways Elsie was a young woman of her generation. Her father was a boiler engineer for the Detroit Public Schools while her mother worked for Wilson Dairy. Raised in several homes in Detroit the family finally settled on Abbington Street in Detroit. During her childhood, Elsie loved to sing and play the violin. After graduating from Chadsey High School in 1943 she went on to college. It was while attending Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, she established friendships with her dearest friends Helen and Muriel.

In 1945, new and exciting changes were in store for Elsie when she returned to Detroit and met the man of her dreams. She met Vincent “Chuck” Wollschlager while she was working as a secretary at Warm Air Heating and Cooling. It wasn’t long before they desired to establish a life together and were married on January 31, 1947. Together they welcomed two sons, David and Daniel into their hearts and home. Elsie loved to read poetry and her favorite bedtime poem to the boys was “The Ballad of the Harp Weaver”, which Dan can still recite today. Chuck and Elsie were very active in their sons lives including, cub scouts, baseball and school activities. Playing card games were one of their most loved family traditions. Almost monthly the whole family would gather at Aunt Florence’s house in Redford for dinner followed by hours of playing penny ante poker and “Alpena Tonk”.

While raising her family Elsie worked as a secretary at various companies including Litton Industries, Textolite Formica and State Farm. Weekends were reserved for fishing trips on Lake St. Clair aboard their boat “June Bug” that was named after her. Over the years she earned the title of “first mate”. The family also loved to vacation in Caseville and Brighton. A memorable trip to Kansas City, Kansas to visit her friend Muriel was a family highlight.

Elsie and Chuck were thrilled to witness their family tree grow as their sons married and had children. Dave and Connie (Constance) were married in 1970 and had two children, Michael and Michele. Dan and Connie were married in 1971 and had two sons, Jeffrey and Mark. They dearly loved their grandchildren and enjoyed keeping them overnight, watching them play sports and attend their school functions.

Although Elsie was deeply saddened with the sudden death of Chuck in January, 1984, she remained on her own in their home on Norborne until 1995. She had fond memories of living there for 45 years and formed many life long friendships. The neighborhood was known for getting together for the famous “Wollschlager perch fish fries”, and you could always find a wicked game of volleyball down at the Cifaldi’s. Elsie was the neighborhood beautician giving haircuts in the driveway and Toni perms each September to Cyndy Woodward next door.

After selling her home she moved to Freedom Square in Farmington Hills. She continued her weekly volunteer work at Ward Church. It was during this time that she was able to travel extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. with the church Single Point Group. Elsie loved being a caregiver and she spent many hours taking her neighbors to the grocery store and doctor appointments. Her other passion was swimming at the Farmington Y twice a week.

Elsie spent her last year and a half at Abbey Park in New Hudson. She called it “The Ritz” and felt very spoiled living there. There were numerous activities that she became involved in but her favorites were playing pinochle and Wii bowling. She was twice named the Wii bowling champ and proudly displayed her trophy on her mantle.

Guided by an unwavering faith, she was never one to worry about what she had, rather, her focus was on loving and serving those around her while expecting nothing in return. Elsie faced whatever came her way with a quiet strength and graceful courage that were truly an inspiration to all who met her. She will be deeply missed but her memory will be forever cherished.

Elsie Wollschlager peacefully died and greeted her savior on January 19, 2015. She leaves behind her children David (Constance), Daniel (Connie) grandchildren, Michael (Kim), Michele (Scott ), Jeffrey (Tracy) and Mark (Gina); and nine great-grandchildren , Callie, Cooper, Drew, Matthew, Nathan, Madisyn, Kayle, Marissa and Noah. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent. She will be In state Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10 a.m. until time of service 11 a.m. at Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church 40000 Six Mile Rd (west of Haggerty) in Northville. Interment: Parkview Memorial Park in Livonia. Sign the guestbook, share a memory, or upload a photo at: www.TurowskiLifeStory